Starting a new food business

Registration of a food business

Before starting up a new food business you must register your business with us. You must do this at least 28 days before opening. You need to tell us about any premises used for storing, selling, distributing or preparing food. Businesses include restaurants, canteens, cafes, retail shops, supermarkets, butchers, wholesalers, hotels, school kitchens, hospitals, nursing/care homes, street traders/market stalls, importers and internet sales businesses.

Some manufacturers handling products of animal origin may need to be approved by us or the Food Standards Agency, rather than be registered. If you are uncertain whether your business needs to be approved or registered please contact us. If you intend to operate more than one food business, each business must be registered separately.

Once we have your application we will put your business details on our register and we'll let you know by letter. Once registered you must notify us of any changes such as a new owner.

It is in the public interest that we process your application before it can be granted. If you haven't heard from us within 28 days contact Environmental Services and we will tell you about your application's progress.